The Big Avon Paddle 2026

The Big Avon Paddle 2026 takes place at The Boathouse, Newbridge Rd, Bath BA1 3NB between 10am and 6pm on Saturday 12th September 2026.

Two great charities are being supported - Keynsham Mencap and Variety, the Children's Charity.

Big thanks to CK Sup and Paddle in association with Daz's Rock 4 Charity for hosting the day along with the host venue - The Boathouse, Bath (A Hall & Woodhouse Pub) People can take part in THE BIG AVON PADDLE by purchasing tickets via the 'BUY TICKETS button below, prices are, Adults - £20 / Family Ticket - £50 (3, 4 or 5 people 2 x adults maximum)   bring your own canoe, katakanu or paddleboard. Alternatively you can hire a vessel via CK Sup and Paddle contact them via www.channelkayaks.co.uk (vessels need to be arranged in advance, small fee for the hire) 

There is a 1.5 mile fun loop course / 4.5 mile route heading to Saltford and back. Choose your route, vessel and how many times you would like to do your route. Have fun, fancy dress is encouraged (PRIZE FOR BEST)

Participants get a breakfast roll on arrival and receive a Pizza and Finisher's medal on completion

There is no minimum requirement for fundraising but if possible we're asking if people can try and raise £100 to help the 2 supported charities to carry out their fabulous work. Please contact Darren Sims for Variety, the Children's Charity 07976 629132 - dazdazzle@live.co.uk or Molly for Keynsham Mencap - 0117 986 5659 - molly@keynshammencap.org.uk    they will advise you how to set up your fundraising page or can also provide paper sponsor forms. 

If you manage to raise at least £100 sponsorship in advance of the event, you will receive THE BIG AVON PADDLE t-shirt (please advise us of size) as well as your Pizza and Finisher's medal.

Throughout the day from 8.30am - 6pm there is lots of fun for the family, including Bouncy castle, facepainting, lawn games, raffle, auction, Avon Fire and Rescue will be giving demonstrations / dressing up in Fire outfits and lots to do on their stall. Bar and food available from The Boathouse. Live Music and Disco from Daz and friends, Character Appearances and lots more.    Admission to the garden of the pub is FREE

FAQs

Timings on the day are as follows: 08.30 AM - On-site sign-in opens. 09.00 AM - Official welcome and safety briefing.10.00 AM - Mass launch.06.00 PM - Off the water.

EVENT DETAILS The day promises to deliver lots of fun, challenges and adventures for everyone. All abilities and ages are welcome. Canoes, Kayaks, paddle boards and more. There’s a shorter 1.5-mile loop or a longer 4.5-mile loop, both heading downstream towards Saltford and back to The Boathouse.It’s up to you which route you choose, how many loops you do, the pace you do them at or even if you mix up the routes, it’s your challenge & your choice!

Equipment & Buoyancy Aids You can bring your own canoe, paddleboard, Kayak, or absolutely anything safe, floaty, and paddleable. If you don’t have your own craft, contact CK Sup & Paddle - www.channelkayaks.co.uk  they have various crafts available to hire for a small fee for the day, but make sure you book early, as there’s limited availability!

Buoyancy aids/life jackets are MANDATORY for all persons taking part in this event. If you don’t have your own, then don't hesitate to get in touch with CK Sup & Paddle to discuss hiring one for the event.

Prices Adult entry: £20 / Family Entry: £50 (family of 3, 4, or 5 people - max 2 adults) T-shirt: There is an optional add-on for a £12.50 Big Avon Paddle T-shirt. Funds will also go to supporting Keynsham Mencap and Variety, the Children's Charity

What is included with my ticket? Each entry fee includes a breakfast roll upon arrival, a finisher's medal and a light pizza, courtesy of The Boathouse upon completion.

Who can take part? The event is open to everyone! There is no minimum (or maximum) age limit. Children are welcome to take part, but are under the responsibility of a parent or appropriate adult at all times. People with reduced mobility, who do not already have their own craft, may want to consider hiring a Katakanu from CK Sup & Paddle (limited availability). We have taken many people out on the river with CK Sup & Paddle, who have varying degrees of physical disability. If you are unsure, contact CK Sup & Paddle at info@channelkayaks.co.uk.

Do I need to bring my own Paddleboard/craft? Yes, if you have your own. If not, please contact CK Sup & Paddle in the first instance, as they have a limited number of different types of craft available to hire for the day. (Restrictions apply.)

Do I need to wear a life jacket? YES, Life jackets / buoyancy aids / PFDs are mandatory for this event. Anyone not wearing one will be refused entry to the water for their own safety. If you do not have one, then contact CK Sup & Paddle in the first instance, as they have a limited number to hire for the day.

I’ve never paddled before, can I still take part? Absolutely, but you will need to contact CK Sup & Paddle - www.channelkayaks.co.uk to arrange a one-off lesson before the event to ensure you are safe info@channelkayaks.co.uk 

The event runs from 8:30 am to 6 pm, do I have to stay all day? Not at all. We’d love you to stay for the full day, but the amount of paddling you do and how long you stay is entirely up to you. Signing in opens at 08:30 am, with launching beginning at 10am after an official welcome and safety briefing. Once you have finished on the water, you are welcome to sit back, relax and make the most of the hospitality and entertainment while you’re with us.

Do I have to collect sponsorship? We are asking everyone to aim to raise £100 in sponsorship for the event. This isn't compulsory but these vital funds will help us to deliver activities, events and improve the lives of people that the two charities support. The easiest way to do this is online, please choose the charity you wish to support and they will set up a fundraising page, or provide you with paper sponsor forms. Contact Daz for Variety, the Children's Charity 07976 629132 - dazdazzle@live.co.uk or Molly for Keynsham Mencap 0117 9865659 - molly@keynshammencap.org.uk

Is there an entry fee? There is a small fee of just £20 to enter, or just £50 for a family of 3,4 or 5 (max 2 adults). Included in your entry fee is a finishers medal and a free light lunch, courtesy of The Boathouse, Bath.

Can I get a refund? In the event that you are not able to attend, or if you change your mind, we unfortunately are not able to offer refunds for The Big Avon Paddle. In the event that the weather conditions are not ideal, The Big Avon Paddle will still go ahead and we encourage you to dress accordingly. This event is a huge fundraiser for both charities and every penny really makes a difference. Please be assured your donations will be put to good use, improving the lives of the people the two charities support and are greatly appreciated.

Molly Hale
Keynsham & District Mencap Society

Tel: 0117 986 5659 - molly@keynshammencap.org.uk  Web: www.keynshammencap.org.uk 

Darren Sims BEM

Variety, the Children's Charity 

07976 629132 - dazdazzle@live.co.uk 

Web: www.variety.org.uk